Hotel Empress Zoe

Empress Zoe overlooks (and indeed, is attached to) the crumbling remnants of the oldest hamam in the city. Access to the majority of rooms is via a narrow circular iron staircase -- good to know if traveling light wasn't on this trip's agenda. If you do strain your back on the way up, you'll be pleased to find extremely comfortable beds and loads of character when you make it to your room. Rooms all have showers, and only the larger suites have (cable) TV. The hotel combines five separate houses, and rooms range from charming doubles with Byzantine or Anatolian-style murals, to a variety of garden and penthouse suites. Because of the configuration, secluded courtyards and panoramic terraces unexpectedly appear around almost every corner. The rooftop bar is warmly draped in deeply colored Turkish kilims and blankets, and there's a fireplace for those crisp winter evenings.

Facilities:
3 bars; airport transfer (25€); smoke-free rooms; Wi-Fi

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.